Illuminated levitating wand

ABSTRACT

Wands of the present disclosure have features that increase entertainment value, improve portability, durability, and balance, making the wands especially well-suited for use in creative routines. The wands include a middle section or an end section that at least partially houses a light engine, and at least one pole configured to couple to the middle section or end section in an axially-aligned assembly. The light engine causes the pole to transmit light.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/791,580, filed Jan. 11, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application No.62/928,273, filed Oct. 30, 2019, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Wands of the present disclosure have features that increaseentertainment value, improve portability, durability, and balance,making the wands especially well-suited for use in creative routines.The wands include a middle section or an end section that at leastpartially houses a light engine, and at least one pole configured tocouple to the middle section or end section in an axially-alignedassembly. The light engine causes the pole to transmit light.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a wand having an endsection and at least one pole configured to couple to the end section inan axially-aligned assembly. The end section at least partially houses alight engine that causes the pole to transmit light.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a wand, including amiddle section, a first pole, and a second pole. The middle section atleast partially houses a light engine. The first pole and the secondpole are each configured to couple to the middle section in anaxially-aligned assembly. The light engine causes the first pole and thesecond pole to transmit light.

In some embodiments, the light engine includes at least one light, apower source, and a controller in electrical communication with eachother, the controller being programmed with at least one module thatcontrols illumination of the at least one light.

In some embodiments, the at least one light includes at least a firstlight and/or a second light, the first light being located in the middlesection (or end section) adjacent to a first receiver portion thereof,and the second light being located in the middle section (or endsection) adjacent to a second receiver portion thereof. The first lightand the second light are configured to transmit light axially outwardlyfrom the middle section (or end section) through the first pole and thesecond pole, respectively.

In some embodiments, the controller and the power source are positionedbetween the first light and the second light.

In some embodiments, the at least one light includes at least a firstlight and/or a second light, the first light being located in the firstpole, and the second light being located within the second pole. Thefirst pole and/or the second pole has at least one electrical contactthat establishes electrical communication with the controller and thepower source when the electrical contact is coupled to the middlesection (or end section) in the axially-aligned assembly.

In some embodiments, the first pole and/or the second pole arereversibly couplable from the middle section (or end section) such thatthe wand is configured to break down into to a disassembled state inwhich the first pole and/or the second pole are not coupled with themiddle section (or end section).

In some embodiments, the middle section (or end section) includes atleast one axially-aligned receiver portion, e.g., two axially-alignedreceiver portions located at opposite ends of the middle section (or endsection). Each receiver portion has a cavity with an open end facingaxially away from the middle section (or end section). The first poleand/or the second pole have an insertion end configured for insertioninto the cavity of at least one receiver portion.

In some embodiments, at least one insertion end includes a threadedportion, and at least one receiver portion includes a complementarythreaded portion.

In some embodiments, the complementary threaded portion of the receiverportion is a threaded pin.

In some embodiments, at least one pole has a uniform first diameter. Insome embodiments, the second pole has a uniform second diameter that isthe same or different from the uniform first diameter.

In some embodiments, the insertion end of at least one pole includes anengagement member fitted thereto, and at least one receiver portion ofthe middle section (or end section) includes a retention portionconfigured to engage the engagement member.

In some embodiments, at least one pole has an indicator on an outersurface thereof that indicates proper coupling with the middle section(or end section).

In some embodiments, at least one receiver portion includes a shroudthat covers at least a portion of at least one pole when the at leastone pole is coupled with the middle section (or end section).

In some embodiments, the shroud is configured to cover about 1 cm toabout 10 cm of at least one pole.

In some embodiments, the shroud is configured to at least partiallycover a maximum diameter portion of at least one pole.

In some embodiments, the wand further includes at least one of thefollowing: a tether connected to the middle section (or end section); aholding piece connected to the tether; at least one end cap couplable toat least one pole; and/or a charging cord configured to electricallycommunicate with the light engine.

In some embodiments, the tether passes through a hole in the middlesection (or end section) positioned between 1 cm and 10 cm from alongitudinal center thereof.

In some embodiments, at least one end cap has a maximum width thatexceeds a maximum width of at least one pole.

In some embodiments, the first pole has a first weight, and the secondpole has a second weight that differs from the first weight.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention aredescribed with reference to the following figures, wherein likereference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various viewsunless otherwise specified.

FIG. 1 shows a user using a wand formed in accordance with onerepresentative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of a wand formed in accordance with onerepresentative embodiment of the present disclosure, in an assembledstate.

FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of the wand of FIG. 2A, in adisassembled state.

FIG. 3 shows a side section view of a pole of a wand formed inaccordance with one representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A shows a partial side view of a wand formed in accordance withone representative embodiment of the present disclosure, with a poledisassembled from a middle section.

FIG. 4B shows a partial side view of the wand of FIG. 4A, with the poleassembled with the middle section.

FIG. 5A shows a partial side section view of a wand formed in accordancewith one representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5B shows another partial side section view of the wand of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic of a controller of a wand formed in accordancewith one representative embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a side section view of a pole of a wand formed inaccordance with another representative embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure, including the accompanying drawings,photographs, and schematics, provides illuminated “levitating” wandshaving a light engine with one or more LEDs or other lights. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of representative embodiments. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize that the techniques describedherein can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, orwith other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring certain aspects.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “someembodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearances of the phrases “in some embodiments” or “in an embodiment”in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same example. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics of embodiments may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more examples.

This disclosure refers to a number of terms with respect to differentembodiments (including apparatuses and methods). Terms having alikenames have alike meanings with respect to different embodiments, exceptwhere expressly noted. Similarly, this disclosure utilizes a number ofterms of art. These terms are to take on their ordinary meaning in theart from which they come, unless specifically defined herein or thecontext of their use would clearly suggest otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a user performing a trick with a wand 100 constructed inaccordance with a representative embodiment of the present disclosure.The wand 100 includes a number of features that make it exceptionallywell-suited for performing tricks, illusions, dances, gymnastics, andother creative routines. For example, the wand 100 includes a wandportion 102, a tether 104 connected to the wand portion 102, and aholding piece 106 connected to the tether 104. A user holding theholding piece 106 can swing and spin the wand portion 102 to performcreative routines. For example, in a dark environment, the user cancause the wand portion 102 to “levitate” by activating a light engine(described below), and then swinging and spinning the wand portion 102via the tether 104 and holding piece 106. The wand portion 102 can alsobe utilized without the tether 104 or the holding piece 106.Accordingly, the tether 104 and holding piece 106 are optional. As usedherein, the term “wand” includes wands, baton, staffs, sticks, rods, andother elongate apparatuses.

As described in detail below, the wand 100 (and other wands of thepresent disclosure) includes many features that advantageously make itmore fun, safer, more durable, more portable, and which provideadditional advantages. For example, certain technical features give thewand 100 particular balance and handling characteristics (includingoff-balance characteristics) that make it better suited to creativeroutines. For example, certain features of the wand 100 cause the wandportion 102 to quickly return to a vertical orientation when suspendedfrom the tether 104 and the holding piece 106, as shown in FIG. 1. Asanother example, certain technical features make the wand 100 moredurable, i.e., less likely to break in the event that a user drops thewand 100. As another example, certain technical features improve thevisual effects created by the wand 100 during creative routines. Asanother example, certain technical features enable the wand 100 to breakdown from an axially-aligned assembly into smaller sections, therebyimproving portability. These examples are representative of theadvantages provided by technical features of the wand 100, but are notthe only advantages. It shall be appreciated that in some embodiments,one or more features of the wand 100 may be critical. The featuresdescribed below contribute to these advantages individually and whencombined with other features of the wand 100.

FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show a representative wand 200 formed in accordancewith the present disclosure. For convenience, the wand is collapsible,i.e., it disassembles into a plurality of pieces. FIG. 2A shows the wand200 in an assembled state, whereas FIG. 2B shows the wand 200 in adisassembled state. The assembled state shown in FIG. 2A is generallythe state in which the wand 200 is utilized in creative routines,whereas the disassembled state is generally the state in which the wand200 is stored, transported, etc. The wand 200 includes a wand portion202, an optional tether 204, and an optional holding piece 206. In someembodiments, the wand 200 includes only the wand portion 202. In someembodiments, the wand 200 includes an optional charging cord 208. Insome embodiments, the wand 200 cannot be disassembled, i.e., it isassembled in a substantially permanent axially-aligned assembly.

In the assembled state shown in FIG. 2A, the wand portion 202 is anelongate, axially-aligned assembly. In some embodiments, it isconfigured to have particular balance and handling characteristicsdescribed below. The wand portion 202 of FIG. 2A includes a middlesection 210, a plurality of poles 212, and a plurality of optional endcaps 214 that couple together in the axially-aligned assembly. In someembodiments, the wand portion 202 includes a single pole 212 thatcouples with the middle section 210 in an axially-aligned assembly,rather than two poles 212. In such embodiments, the middle section 210is located at an end of the wand portion 202 and may be considered an“end section.” Thus, the term “middle section” is utilized to aid theunderstanding of the wand 200 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, and is notintended to limit the present disclosure to embodiments having twopoles. Each pole 212 is shown as a single piece in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B,but breaks down into two or more sub-pole sections in some embodiments,for greater portability. In some embodiments, one or more of theforegoing components are reversibly couplable together in theaxially-aligned assembly. In some embodiments, one or more of theforegoing components are substantially permanently coupled together inthe axially-aligned assembly. For example, each end cap 214 issubstantially permanently coupled together with one of the poles 212. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the poles 212 are each configuredto reversibly couple to the middle section 210, and the end caps 214 areeach configured to reversibly couple to one of the poles 212. As shownin FIG. 2B, each pole 212 has an insertion end 216 configured forinsertion into a receiver portion 218 of the middle section 210. the endcaps 214 may be formed from a relatively soft material as compared tothe poles 212 (e.g., a relatively soft plastic, rubber, or foam) inorder to absorb shock when the wand 200 is dropped. In some embodiments,each end cap 214 has a maximum width that exceeds a maximum crosssectional diameter of the poles 212, such that the end cap 214 is morelikely to contact the ground before the poles 212 when the wand 200 isdropped. The end caps 214 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B have a sphericalshape; however any shape is possible. For example, in some embodiments,one or more of the end caps 214 has the shape of a magic wand, or a tipof a magic wand.

For desirable balance, in some embodiments, the wand portion 202 has alength of between about 50 centimeters and about 150 centimeters (e.g.,60 centimeters), measured from a first end 220 to a second end 222. Insome embodiments, the middle section 210 is between 10 centimeters and20 centimeters long. In some embodiments, each pole 212 and end section214 (coupled together) is between 15 centimeters and 50 centimeters long(e.g., 23 cm). For desirable balance, in some embodiments, the wandportion 202 portion has a total weight of about 0.1 kilograms to about1.0 kilogram (e.g., 0.11 kilograms). In some embodiments, the middlesection 210 weighs between 0.02 kilograms and 0.5 kilograms (e.g., about0.04 kg). In some embodiments, each coupled pole 212 and end section 214weighs between 0.02 kilograms and 0.5 kilograms (e.g., about 0.04 kg).In some embodiments, the poles 212 have different weights, which canadvantageously cause the wand portion 202 to quickly return to avertical orientation when suspended from the tether 204 (as shown inFIG. 1). For example, in some embodiments, a first pole 212 (coupledwith a first end section 214) has a first weight, and a second pole 212(connected with a second end section 214) has a second weight that isabout 1% to about 20% greater than the first weight (e.g., about 7%greater). In some embodiments, this difference between the first weightand the second weight is about 0.001 kilograms to about 0.100 kilograms.In some embodiments, this difference between the first weight and thesecond weight is achieved by constructing the first pole 212 to a firstlength, and the second pole 212 to a different second length. In someembodiments, this difference between the first weight and the secondweight is achieved by constructing the first pole 212 of a firstmaterial, and the second pole 212 of a different second material. Insome embodiments, this difference between the first weight and thesecond weight is achieved by incorporating one or more voids (cavities)and/or weights in the first pole 212 and/or the second pole 212.

For desirable handling characteristics, the tether 204 is a length ofcord, string, rope, cable, or the like having a length of about 50centimeters to about 150 centimeters. In the embodiment of FIG. 2A andFIG. 2B, the tether 204 is a string. In some embodiments, the tether 204is elasticized. In some embodiments, the tether 204 is formed of two ormore sections of material, rather than one continuous section ofmaterial.

The holding piece 206 is a handle, loop, or similar component that helpsa user swing, spin, and otherwise move the wand portion 202. In theembodiment of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the holding piece 206 is a fingerloop formed of leather, textile, or similar flexible material. In someembodiments, the holding piece 206 is a handle formed of plastic, wood,or similar rigid material. In some embodiments, the holding piece 206 isswivably connected to the tether 204, e.g., with a swivel 224 or similarelement. In some embodiments, the holding piece 206 is directlyconnected to the tether 204.

The tether 204 and the holding piece 206 enable a user to swing, spin,and otherwise move the wand portion 202 in a variety of differentmaneuvers and/or creative routines. The tether 204 connects to the wandportion 202 proximate to a longitudinal center thereof, i.e., proximateto a longitudinal center between the first end 220 and second end 222 ofthe wand portion 202. In some embodiments, the tether 204 connects tothe wand portion 202 proximate to a longitudinal center of a middlesection of the wand portion 202, described below. In some embodiments,the tether 204 connects to the wand portion 202 at an off-centerposition, i.e., a position on the wand portion 202 spaced apart from thelongitudinal center of the wand portion 202. For example, in someembodiments, the tether 204 connects to the wand portion 202 at anoff-center location spaced apart from the longitudinal center by 1 cm to10 cm. In such “off-center” embodiments, the wand 200 quickly returns toa “vertical” orientation when suspended from the tether 204. Details ofthe specific connections between the wand portion 202 and the tether 204are described below.

FIG. 3 shows a representative pole 312 formed in accordance with thepresent disclosure and configured for coupling with a middle section ofa wand portion, such as the middle section 210 of FIG. 2A. In thisembodiment, the pole 312 is at least partially formed of a durable,rigid, translucent or transparent material, for example acrylic orpolycarbonate. As used hereafter, “translucent” includes bothtranslucent, partially opaque, and transparent materials, i.e.,materials that allow at least some visible light to pass therethrough.When the pole 312 is used with a light engine as described below, thetranslucent material allows the pole 312 to emit light, which makes thewand more entertaining and enhances creative routines. To make the wandeven more entertaining, the pole 312 includes optional andintegrally-formed passive light features 326 that reflect and/or refractlight. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the passive light features 326include a plurality of etchings formed in an outer surface 328 of thepole 312, i.e., helical etchings. In other embodiments, the passivelight features 326 include etchings having a different shape and/orsize, e.g., a spiral shape. In still other embodiments, the passivelight features 326 include a different number of etchings.

The pole 312 is shaped and dimensioned to improve balance and feel ofthe wand portion. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the pole 312 issubstantially cylindrical, has a total length of about 15 cm to about 50cm (e.g., 23 cm), and has a largest cross sectional dimension D1(diameter) of about 10 cm to about 30 cm (e.g., 13 cm). In FIG. 3, thepole 312 has a uniform diameter, which advantageously prevents stressconcentration points along the length of the 302. In some wand portionshaving a first pole 312 and a second pole 312, the first pole 312 has auniform first diameter and the second pole 312 has a uniform seconddiameter, which may be the same or different from the uniform firstdiameter. In some embodiments, the pole 312 has a non-circular crosssection (e.g., a hexagonal or octagonal cross section). In still otherembodiments, the pole 312 has a non-uniform largest cross-sectionaldimension. In still other embodiments, each pole 312 has a fanciful ornon-uniform shape; for example, in one embodiment, one or more of thepoles 312 is shaped like a magic wand.

The pole 312 has an insertion end 316 configured for insertion into areceiver portion of a middle section (e.g., the middle section 210 ofFIG. 2A). In FIG. 3, the insertion end 316 has a threaded portion 330configured to threadably engage a complementary threaded portion of areceiver portion of a middle section. In FIG. 3, the insertion end 316is a female threaded portion (the complementary threaded portion of themiddle section would have a male threaded portion). In some embodiments,the insertion end 316 is a male threaded portion (the complementarythreaded portion of the middle section would have a female threadedportion). As described below in connection with FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, thecomplementary threaded portion of the receiver portion may be a threadedcomponent (e.g., a threaded pin made of relatively soft plastic) that isremovably insertable in the receiver portion of the middle section.

To prevent breakage of the pole 312 as a result of dropping the wandportion, the insertion end 316 has a uniform cross sectional dimensionD1 (in this embodiment, a uniform diameter), thus reducing potentialstress concentration points. In some embodiments, the cross sectionaldimension of the pole 312 is not uniform, but the insertion end 316 hasa cross sectional dimension that is no smaller than a central section ofthe pole. In some embodiments, the insertion end 316 does not have anysudden changes in cross sectional dimension, i.e., no step changes oronly gradual changes in cross sectional diameter. To further preventbreakage, the pole 312 has an optional indicator 336 configured tovisually indicate correct insertion of the insertion end 316 with amiddle section of a wand. This is described below with respect to FIG.4A and FIG. 4B.

The pole 312 has an optional end cap connection portion 332 configuredto couple with an end cap. (such as the end cap 214 of FIG. 2A and FIG.2B). In FIG. 3, the end cap connection portion 332 is a female recessconfigured to couple with a complementary male portion of an end cap. Insome embodiments, the end cap connection portion 332 is a threadedportion, a detent, or a similar feature. In some embodiments, the pole312 is configured to couple with the end cap by friction fit.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate part of a representative wand portion ofa wand 400 that is similar to the wand 200 of FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. Thewand 400 includes a middle section 410, a pole 412, and an end cap 414.The middle section 410 has a plurality of receiver portions 418, eachforming a cavity with an open end facing axially away from the middlesection 410 and configured to receive an insertion end 416 of the pole412. In some embodiments having a single pole 412, the middle section410 has a single receiver portion 418. The pole 412 includes a pluralityof passive light features 426 (in this case, etchings) formed therein,which are configured to reflect and/or refract light in an aestheticallypleasing manner. Further, each receiver portion 418 further includes anannular shroud 434 having a longitudinal orientation relative to themiddle section 410. The shrouds 434 are configured to cover a portion ofthe pole 412 when the wand 400 is in an assembled state. In addition,pole 412 includes an optional indicator 436 configured to preventbreakage of the pole 412 by ensuring correct insertion of the insertionend 416 with a receiver portion 418 of a middle section 410. Theindicator 436 is a marking, a groove, a score a label, or the likeplaced on an outer surface 438 of the pole 412. The indicator 436 islocated on the pole 412 such that it indicates when the pole 412 isproperly inserted (e.g., threaded) into the receiver portion 418 of themiddle section 410.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the indicator 436 is located on the pole 412 at theinsertion end 416. In some embodiments, the indicator 436 is spaced awayfrom a most axially-distant point of the insertion end 416 by about 1 cmto about 10 cm, e.g., 2 cm. As shown in FIG. 4B, when the pole 412 isproperly coupled with the receiver portion 418 of the middle section410, the indicator 436 is adjacent to (i.e., visually “touches”) a mostaxially-distant point of the receiver portion 418, thus indicating thatthe pole 412 is properly coupled with the middle section 410.

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show a representative middle section 510 of a wandportion of a wand 500. In FIG. 5A, the middle section 510 is reversiblycoupled with two poles 512 in an assembled state. In FIG. 5B, the middlesection 510 is decoupled from any poles. The poles 512 are similar tothe pole 312 of FIG. 3. The middle section 510 and the poles 512 areconfigured such that poles 512 transmit light in the assembled state. Inparticular, the wand 500 includes a light engine 540 that transmitslight through the poles 512, as described below. Further, the middlesection 510 and the poles 512 are configured to increase strength of thewand 500, and to facilitate assembly/disassembly.

The middle section 510 includes an elongate, hollow outer housing 542formed at least partially from a rugged material such as a metal and/orthermoplastic polymer. In FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the outer housing 542 issubstantially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the outer housing 542has a non-cylindrical cross section, e.g., a hexagonal or octagonalcross section. In some embodiments, the outer housing 542 is formed froma plurality of pieces, e.g., a multi-piece “clamshell” typeconstruction.

The middle section 510 includes two axially-aligned receiver portions518 located on either side of the light engine 540. Referring to FIG.5B, each receiver portion 518 generally has a hollow or concave cavity544 with an open end facing axially away from the middle section 510.Each receiver portion 518 is configured to reversibly couple with aninsertion end 516 of one of the poles 512, e.g., by insertion of theinsertion end 516 into the cavity 544. In FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, each pole512 is substantially the same and may be interchangeably coupled witheither receiver portion 518. In some embodiments, the poles 512 havedifferent coupling structures or other features such that one pole 512can be coupled only with one receiver portion 518. In some embodimentshaving a single pole 512, the middle section 510 has a single receiverportion 518.

Each receiver portion 518 includes a shroud 534 (an annular cover) thatcovers the cavity 544, and which also covers at least a portion of thecorresponding pole 512 (e.g., at least the insertion end 516 of thecorresponding pole 512) when the wand 500 is in the assembled state, inorder to prevent breakage when the wand 500 is dropped. The shrouds 534may be formed from a rugged material such as a metal and/orthermoplastic polymer, in order to resist breaking when the wand 500 isdropped. In some embodiments, when the insertion end 516 of the pole 512is received within the receiver portion 518, the shroud 534 covers about1 cm to about 10 cm of the pole 512. In some embodiments, the shroud 534at least partially covers a portion of the pole having a maximum crosssectional dimension, in order to increase strength of the wand 500. Forexample, if the insertion end 516 of the pole 512 has a reduced crosssectional dimension, the shroud 534 completely covers the reduced crosssectional dimension portion and extends over a maximum diameter portionof the pole 512 having a maximum diameter, such that the reduced crosssectional dimension portion does not form a stress concentration point.

As shown in FIG. 5A, each receiver portion 518 further includes a pin546 configured to couple the insertion end 516 of one pole 512 with theouter housing 542. The pins 546 are not shown in FIG. 5B. Each pin 546is formed of a translucent material, such that light emitted from theadjacent light engine 540 passes through the pin 546 and into thecorresponding pole 512. At one end, the pin 546 is seated within orotherwise anchored to the outer housing 542, e.g., at the pin seat 548shown in FIG. 5B. At the other end, the pin 546 has coupling structurethat is complementary to the coupling structure of the insertion end 516of the pole 512. In FIG. 5A, the pin 546 has a male threaded couplingstructure complementary to the female threaded coupling structure of theinsertion end 516 of the pole 512. In some embodiments, the pin 546 hasa female threaded coupling structure that is complementary to a malethreaded coupling structure of the insertion end 516 of the pole 512. Insome embodiments, the insertion end 516 and pin 546 have differentcomplementary coupling structure (i.e., non-threaded couplingstructure). The pin 546 is formed from a rigid but relatively softmaterial such as a thermoplastic polymer (e.g., a translucent polymer),which in some embodiments is configured to absorb shock. Thus, bycoupling the pole 512 to the relatively soft pin 546 rather than to amore rigid portion of the middle section 510, the pin 546 absorbs shockswhen the wand 500 is dropped, preventing breakage. In the unlikely eventthe pin 546 breaks, it can be replaced.

The light engine 540 includes one or more lights and electronic elementsthat are together configured to project light in one or more directionsand through one or more components of the wand 500, thereby making thewand 500 more entertaining. In the representative embodiment of FIG. 5Aand FIG. 5B, the light engine 540 includes two lights 550, a powersource 552, and a controller 554 that are in electrical communication.In particular, the light engine 540 is configured to transmit lightthrough one or more of the poles 512 which, as discussed above, may beat least partially constructed from a translucent material. In FIG. 5Aand FIG. 5B, the light engine 540 is substantially contained within theouter housing 542 of the middle section 510, such that light istransmitted outwardly (e.g., axially outward) from the middle section510 through each of the poles 512. In some embodiments, one or morecomponents of the light engine 540 are located in one or both of thepoles 512. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the poles512 includes a light therein that transmits light directly out of thepole 512. In some embodiments, the light engine 540 is entirelycontained in one or both of the poles 512, rather than the middlesection 510. In some embodiments, the light engine 540 further comprisesa single light that is located in the middle section 510, the singlelight being configured to transmit light outwardly from the middlesection 510 in both directions through both poles 512.

In the representative embodiment of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the lights 550are each light emitting diodes (LEDs), which are well-suited to the wand500 because they are durable, energy efficient, bright, programmable toflash, change colors, etc., and offer other advantages. Nevertheless, insome embodiments, one or more lights 550 are an incandescent light, afluorescent light, a chemical light (e.g., a glow stick), or anothertype of light. In FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the lights 550 are positioned onopposite sides of the controller 554. In particular, each light 550 issecurely retained by the outer housing 542 such that it projects lightin an axially-outward direction.

Each light 550 is positioned within the middle section 510 such thatlight emitted therefrom passes into the corresponding pole 512. Forexample, in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, each light 550 is positioned within theouter housing 542 (on opposite sides of the power source 552 andcontroller 554) such that light emitted therefrom passes through thecorresponding translucent pin 546 and into the corresponding pole 512.In some embodiments (e.g., embodiments without pins 546), each light 550is positioned within the middle section 510 such that there issubstantially no obstruction between the light 550 and the correspondingpole 512 in the assembled state. In some embodiments, one or more of thelights 550 is located within one or more of the poles 512, such that thelight 550 emits light directly from the one or more poles 512. In suchembodiments, each pole 512 having a light 550 positioned therein includeelectrical wiring, traces, and/or contacts that enable selectiveelectrical connection between the pole 512 and the power source 552 whenthe pole 512 is assembled with the middle section 510. For example, thethreaded portions of poles 512 and the threaded portion of the pins 546may each contain electrical contacts configured to achieve electricalconnection when the poles 512 are connected to the middle section 510 inan axially-aligned assembly. Accordingly, the pins 546 and/or the outerhousing 542 of the middle section 510 may also include electrical tracesor contacts establishing electrical communication with the controller554, or may themselves form part of one or more electrical circuits ofthe light engine 540.

The power source 552 is a rechargeable battery, e.g., a lithium-ionbattery, nickel-cadmium battery, nickel metal hydride battery, orsimilar. In some embodiments, the power source 552 is a non-rechargeablebattery, e.g., a disposable alkaline battery. In embodiments in whichthe power source 552 is rechargeable, the middle section 510 includes acharging interface 556 (e.g., a mini universal serial bus connection orsimilar connection) configured to receive a charging cord (e.g., thecharging cord 208 of FIG. 2B).

Referring briefly to FIG. 6, the controller 554 is a printed circuitboard having a data store 560 (a tangible machine readable storagemedium), a processor 562 (e.g., a general processing unit, graphicalprocessing unit, application specific integrated circuit, and the like),and one or more modules 564 that may be implemented as software logic(e.g., executable software code), firmware logic, hardware logic, orvarious combinations thereof. As used in this disclosure, a data storeis a tangible machine-readable storage medium that includes anymechanism that provides (i.e., stores) information in a non-transitoryform accessible by a machine (e.g., a computer, network device, personaldigital assistant, manufacturing tool, any device with a set of one ormore processors, etc.). For example, a machine-readable storage mediumincludes recordable/non-recordable media (e.g., read only memory (ROM),random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storagemedia, flash memory devices, etc.). In some embodiments, the controller554 includes a communications interface having circuits configured toenable communication with remote server, base station, or other networkelement via the internet, cellular network, RF network, Personal AreaNetwork (PAN), Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, or other network.Accordingly, the communications interface may be configured tocommunicate using wireless protocols (e.g., WIFI®, WIMAX®, BLUETOOTH®,ZIGBEE®, Cellular, Infrared, Nearfield, etc.) and/or wired protocols(Universal Serial Bus or other serial communications such as RS-234,RJ-45, etc., parallel communications bus, etc.). In some embodiments,the communications interface includes circuitry configured to initiate adiscovery protocol that allows the wand 500 and other network element toidentify each other and exchange control information. In an embodiment,the communications interface includes circuitry configured to adiscovery protocol and to negotiate one or more pre-shared keys. In anembodiment, the communications interface alternatively or additionalincludes circuitry configured to initiate a discovery protocol thatallows an enterprise server and the wand 500 to exchange information.

Referring still to FIG. 6, the modules 564 include one or moreexecutable programs. For example, the modules 564 include an on-offmodule 564 and a light mode module 564. The on-off module 564 cycles thelights 550 on and off in response to activation of the switch 558. Thelight mode module 564 cycles through a plurality of light modes when theswitch 558 is activated in a particular sequence, e.g., one or more fadelight modes, one or more solid color light modes, one or more strobelight modes, etc. These modules 564 are representative and non-limiting.For example, different light modes not listed above are contemplated.While the representative wand 500 of FIG. 5 includes numerous modules564, some embodiments include additional modules 564, fewer modules 564,or different modules 564. In some embodiments, the controller 554includes only a single module that turns the lights 550 on and off.

Referring again to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, the switch 558 is located on themiddle section 510 and in electrical communication with the controller554, and enables selective activation of the light engine 540, includingselective toggling between the modules 564 stored on the controller 554.In some embodiments, the switch 558 is a button, a touch sensor (e.g., acapacitance or resistance sensor), or the like. In some embodiments, thewand 500 does not include a physical switch 558 per se. In someembodiments (with or without a physical switch 558), the controller 554is configured to communicate with a mobile device such as a smart phone,tablet, etc.; in such embodiments, the mobile device enables selectiveactivation of the light engine 540. Further, a hole 566 passes throughthe middle section 510, through the light engine 540, and is configuredto receive a tether such as the tether 204 of FIG. 2A. The hole 566 ofFIG. 5 passes through an off-center location of the outer housing 542(e.g., an off-center location spaced apart from the longitudinal centerby 1 cm to 10 cm), in order to facilitate a fast return to a verticalposition when the wand 500 is suspended from a tether.

Thus, the middle section 510 has a light engine 540 that transmits lightthrough the poles 512. The controller 554 (an in particular modules 564)enables the light engine 540 to create a number of visual effects thatrender the wand 500 more entertaining, especially during creativeperformances. Furthermore, the middle section 510 has receiver portions518 configured to securely hold the poles 512 and to resist breakage.Further still, the middle section 510 includes features (e.g., theoff-center hole 566) configured to impart desirable balance and handlingcharacteristics to the wand 500. These are just some of the advantagesof the wand 500.

FIG. 7 shows another representative pole 712 formed in accordance withthe present disclosure and configured for coupling with a middle sectionof a wand portion, such as the middle section 210 of FIG. 2A, or a wandhaving a light engine such as described with respect to the light engine540 of FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B. Except where described below, the pole 712has similar features as the pole 312 of FIG. 3. For example, the pole712 includes optional and integrally-formed passive light features 726formed as helical etches. Additionally, the pole 712 includes an end capconnection portion 732 formed at an end thereof. Additionally, the pole712 is at least partially formed from a translucent material in order tofacilitate transmission of light therethrough.

The pole 712 has an insertion end 716 configured for insertion into areceiver portion of a middle section (e.g., the middle section 210 ofFIG. 2A). Whereas in FIG. 3, the pole 312 is configured for threadedcoupling with the receiver portion, the insertion end 716 of pole 712has an elongate insertion portion 772 configured to couple with areceiver portion simply by insertion. In particular, the insertionportion 772 includes at least one engagement member 768 (e.g., anO-ring) fitted thereto and configured to engage the receiver portion,thereby stably retaining the insertion portion 772 within the receiverportion of a compatible middle section, and thus coupling the pole 712to the middle section. In some embodiments, the receiver portion of thecompatible middle section includes a retention portion (e.g., a detent)configured to engage the engagement member 768 of the pole 712 when theinsertion end 716 is inserted into the receiver portion. In someembodiments, the insertion portion 772 has both a threaded portion (asin FIG. 3), and one or more engagement members 768.

In FIG. 7, the insertion portion 772 has a first cross-sectionaldimension D1, whereas a main body 774 has a larger second crosssectional dimension D2. This creates a shoulder 770 between theinsertion portion 772 and the main body 774 that prevents over-insertionof the insertion portion 772 into the receiver portion. In someembodiments, the insertion portion 772 and the main body 774 have auniform diameter, i.e., D1 is approximately equal to D2. In suchembodiments, there is substantially no shoulder 770; additionally, suchembodiments lack a stress concentration point where D1 transitions toD2. In still other embodiments, D1 exceeds D2.

Thus, the present disclosure provides wands having a number ofadvantages that make the wand well-suited for creative routines.Representative wands include a light engine configured to transmit lightthrough one or more portions of the wand such as one or more translucentpoles. In some embodiments, the light engine is programmed with one ormore executable modules that cause one or more lights to change color,express an illumination pattern, etc. In some embodiments, a pluralityof poles are configured to couple with a middle section of the wand in amanner that improves durability and transmission of light from the lightengine. Other representative wands are configured to break down from anaxially-aligned assembled state to a disassembled state. Still otherrepresentative wands have particular features (e.g., an off-centertether hole) configured to impart desirable balance characteristics.These advantages are representative, not limiting.

Additional novel features of the illuminated levitating wand will beapparent from the enclosed disclosure, and are not limited to thespecific embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, the ornamental designof the wand itself and one or more components is highly appealing.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, itwill be appreciated that various changes can be made therein withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. Features ofdifferent embodiments disclosed herein may be combined to formadditional embodiments that are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Embodiments disclosed herein may utilize circuitry in order to implementtechnologies and methodologies described herein, operatively connect twoor more components, generate information, determine operationconditions, control an appliance, device, or method, and/or the like.Circuitry of any type can be used. In an embodiment, circuitry includes,among other things, one or more computing devices such as a processor(e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digitalsignal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or anycombinations thereof, and can include discrete digital or analog circuitelements or electronics, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more ASICs having aplurality of predefined logic components. In an embodiment, circuitryincludes one or more FPGA having a plurality of programmable logiccomponents. In an embodiment, circuitry includes hardware circuitimplementations (e.g., implementations in analog circuitry,implementations in digital circuitry, and the like, and combinationsthereof). In an embodiment, circuitry includes combinations of circuitsand computer program products having software or firmware instructionsstored on one or more computer readable memories that work together tocause a device to perform one or more methodologies or technologiesdescribed herein. In an embodiment, circuitry includes circuits, suchas, for example, microprocessors or portions of microprocessor, thatrequire software, firmware, and the like for operation. In anembodiment, circuitry includes an implementation comprising one or moreprocessors or portions thereof and accompanying software, firmware,hardware, and the like. In an embodiment, circuitry includes a basebandintegrated circuit or applications processor integrated circuit or asimilar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, othernetwork device, or other computing device. In an embodiment, circuitryincludes one or more remotely located components. In an embodiment,remotely located components are operatively connected via wirelesscommunication. In an embodiment, remotely located components areoperatively connected via one or more receivers, transmitters,transceivers, or the like.

An embodiment includes one or more data stores that, for example, storeinstructions or data. Non-limiting examples of one or more data storesinclude volatile memory (e.g., Random Access memory (RAM), DynamicRandom Access memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g.,Read-Only memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Onlymemory (EEPROM), Compact Disc Read-Only memory (CD-ROM), or the like),persistent memory, or the like. Further non-limiting examples of one ormore data stores include Erasable Programmable Read-Only memory (EPROM),flash memory, or the like. The one or more data stores can be connectedto, for example, one or more computing devices by one or moreinstructions, data, or power buses.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes one or more computer-readable mediadrives, interface sockets, Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, mini-USBports, memory card slots, or the like, and one or more input/outputcomponents such as, for example, a graphical user interface, a display,a keyboard, a keypad, a trackball, a joystick, a touch-screen, a mouse,a switch, a dial, or the like, and any other peripheral device. In anembodiment, circuitry includes one or more user input/output componentsthat are operatively connected to at least one computing device tocontrol (electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented,firmware-implemented, or other control, or combinations thereof) one ormore aspects of the embodiment.

In an embodiment, circuitry includes a computer-readable media drive ormemory slot configured to accept signal-bearing medium (e.g.,computer-readable memory media, computer-readable recording media, orthe like). In an embodiment, a program for causing a system to executeany of the disclosed methods can be stored on, for example, acomputer-readable recording medium (CRMM), a signal-bearing medium, orthe like. Non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include arecordable type medium such as any form of flash memory, magnetic tape,floppy disk, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital VideoDisk (DVD), Blu-Ray Disc, a digital tape, a computer memory, or thelike, as well as transmission type medium such as a digital and/or ananalog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, awired communications link, a wireless communication link (e.g.,transmitter, receiver, transceiver, transmission logic, reception logic,etc.). Further non-limiting examples of signal-bearing media include,but are not limited to, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD+RW, DVD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R,CD-ROM, Super Audio CD, CD-R, CD+R, CD+RW, CD-RW, Video Compact Discs,Super Video Discs, flash memory, magnetic tape, magneto-optic disk,MINIDISC, non-volatile memory card, EEPROM, optical disk, opticalstorage, RAM, ROM, system memory, web server, or the like.

The detailed description set forth above in connection with the appendeddrawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as adescription of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are notintended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described inthis disclosure is provided as an example or illustration and should notbe construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Therepresentative examples provided herein are not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with othersteps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same orsubstantially similar result. Generally, the embodiments disclosedherein are non-limiting, and the inventors contemplate that otherembodiments within the scope of this disclosure may include structuresand functionalities from more than one specific embodiment shown in thefigures and described in the specification. It will be appreciated thatvariations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed,without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes,and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure as claimed.

The present application may include references to directions, such as“vertical,” “horizontal,” “front,” “rear,” “left,” “right,” “top,” and“bottom,” etc. These references, and other similar references in thepresent application, are intended to assist in helping describe andunderstand the particular embodiment (such as when the embodiment ispositioned for use) and are not intended to limit the present disclosureto these directions or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers.Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to beconsidered restrictive, but representative of the possible quantities ornumbers associated with the present application. Also in this regard,the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference aquantity or number. In this regard, the term “plurality” is meant to beany number that is more than one, for example, two, three, four, five,etc. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus orminus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the presentdisclosure, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C),including all further possible permutations when greater than threeelements are listed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wand, comprising: a middle section at leastpartially housing a light engine; a first pole and a second pole, eachbeing configured to reversibly couple to the middle section in anaxially-aligned assembly; a tether connected to the middle section; afirst end cap couplable to the first pole; and a second end capcouplable to the second pole; wherein the light engine causes the firstpole and the second pole to transmit light.
 2. The wand of claim 1,wherein the light engine comprises at least one light, a power source,and a controller in electrical communication with each other, thecontroller being programmed with at least one module that controlsillumination of the at least one light.
 3. The wand of claim 2, whereinthe at least one light includes a first light and a second light, thefirst light being located in the middle section adjacent to a firstreceiver portion thereof, and the second light being located in themiddle section adjacent to a second receiver portion thereof, whereinthe first light and the second light are configured to transmit lightaxially outwardly from the middle section through the first pole and thesecond pole, respectively.
 4. The wand of claim 3, wherein thecontroller and the power source are positioned between the first lightand the second light.
 5. The wand of claim 2, wherein the at least onelight includes a first light and a second light, the first light beinglocated in the first pole, and the second light being located within thesecond pole, wherein each of the first pole and the second pole have anelectrical contact that establishes electrical communication with thecontroller and the power source when the electrical contact is coupledto the middle section in the axially-aligned assembly.
 6. The wand ofclaim 1, wherein the first pole and the second pole are reversiblycouplable from the middle section such that the wand is configured tobreak down into to a disassembled state in which the first pole and thesecond pole are not coupled with the middle section.
 7. The wand ofclaim 1, wherein the middle section includes two axially-alignedreceiver portions located at opposite ends thereof, each receiverportion having a cavity with an open end facing axially away from themiddle section, wherein each of the first pole and the second pole havean insertion end configured for insertion into the cavity of at leastone of the two axially-aligned receiver portions.
 8. The wand of claim7, wherein each insertion end includes a threaded portion, and whereineach receiver portion includes a complementary threaded portion.
 9. Thewand of claim 7, wherein each insertion end includes an engagementmember fitted thereto, and each receiver portion includes a retentionportion configured to engage the engagement member.
 10. The wand ofclaim 7, wherein each receiver portion includes a shroud that covers atleast a portion of the first pole or the second pole when the first poleor the second pole are coupled with the middle section.
 11. The wand ofclaim 10, wherein the shroud is configured to cover about 1 cm to about10 cm of the first pole or the second pole.
 12. The wand of claim 10,wherein the shroud is configured to at least partially cover a maximumdiameter portion of the first pole or a maximum diameter portion of thesecond pole.
 13. The wand of claim 8, wherein the complementary threadedportion of the receiver portion is a threaded pin.
 14. The wand of claim1, wherein the first pole has a uniform first diameter and the secondpole has a uniform second diameter.
 15. The wand of claim 1, wherein thefirst pole and the second pole each have an indicator on an outersurface thereof that indicates proper coupling with the middle section.16. The wand of claim 1, further comprising: a holding piece connectedto the tether; and a charging cord configured to electricallycommunicate with the light engine.
 17. The wand of claim 1, wherein thetether passes through a hole in the middle section positioned between 1cm and 10 cm from a longitudinal center of the middle section.
 18. Thewand of claim 1, wherein each end cap has a maximum width that exceeds amaximum width of the first pole and the second pole.
 19. The wand ofclaim 1, wherein the first pole has a first weight, and the second polehas a second weight that differs from the first weight.
 20. The wand ofclaim 1, wherein each of the first pole and the second pole is at leastpartially formed of a translucent material.